Government Contract Training for Small Businesses

Bidding on government contracts can be confusing if you don't know understand procurement rules and regulations.  These free and low-cost services and resources provide personal training to help small businesses bid on Federal government contracts.

Government Contracting Guides

• Small Business Guide to Contracting Opportunities
  This guide from the U.S. Small Business Administration provides information on programs that help small businesses successfully compete for federal contracting opportunities. Includes tutorials on how the federal government buys and provides an overview on regulations, policies, and best practices.
• How to Sell to the Federal Government
  GSA is the general government's business manager and buyer. GSA offers businesses the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of products and services to federal agencies through contract vehicles.

In-Person Support and Assistance

The following programs provide local in-person counseling and training services for small business owners. Services cover all aspects of starting and running a business, from getting loans and financing to developing business plans and marketing strategies.

• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
  A network of Procurement Professionals to help small businesses obtain government contracts.
• Procurement Center Representatives (PCR)
  SBA operates a Procurement Center Representatives (PCR) program to assist small businesses in obtaining Federal contracts.

For general small business assistance the SBA and other federal and state government agencies provide a variety of in-person assistance programs that help small businesses prepare business plans, obtain financing, start up operations, and expand into new markets.

Training Courses & Events

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Training Programs
  SBA training programs offers help to small businesses seeking government contracting opportunities offered through the Recovery Act.
• SBA Government Contracting Online Courses
  Free online training programs designed to help you understand the government’s contracting process.
• GSA Training Programs for Vendors
  Seminars, workshops, meetings, and other events held nationwide to support small businesses interested in obtaining a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract.
• GSA Center for Acquisition Excellence
  An e-learning site that provides free online training on GSA acquisition vehicles, policies and guidance.
• GSA Vendor Support Center
  Offers training to help vendors learn how to sell their products and services to the federal government.

Contact your local PTAC office to identify in-person training opportunities near you.